Kicking off 2026 with honesty, comedian and actor Chris Redd took to Instagram to finally address a chapter of his life he had never publicly explained.
In an emotional video, Chris opened up about his relationship with Christina Evangeline, the ex-wife of his former “Saturday Night Live” co-star Kenan Thompson, explaining that the decision to speak now came from a need to reset his life and career.
“I’m starting this year with honesty,” Chris said, noting that he could not move forward creatively without addressing the situation directly.
The Timeline And The Conversation That Happened
Kenan Thompson and Christina Evangeline married in November 2011 and share two daughters, Georgia Marie and Gianna Michelle.
Their separation became public in April 2022, with Thompson officially filing for divorce that June.
After the separation, Christina began dating Chris.
While speculation quickly followed, Chris said the reality was far more layered than public perception suggested.
“It wasn’t no plan,” he explained. “I’m not the type of person to scheme on a person, and I’m not the type to date somebody one of my homies dated. This was a very unique, nuanced thing that happened.”
There Was No Animosity Between Chris Redd And Kenan Thompson
Chris shared that he and Thompson discussed the situation privately and agreed to keep the relationship quiet to avoid unnecessary mess and chatter.
According to Chris, there was no hostility between them at the time, and they continued working together on “Saturday Night Live” for nearly a year.
Once the relationship became public, however, everything changed.
Chris Redd On Addiction, Mental Health, And Why It Got Deeper
Chris revealed that during this period, he was privately struggling with pill addiction, anxiety, and panic attacks.
He said Christina was the one person who truly intervened.
“She helped me with my therapy journey,” Chris shared, explaining that while others watched him spiral, she pushed him to get help.
That emotional support, he said, became the foundation of their relationship, even though he understood the complications that came with it.
“I don’t feel cool about this at all,” Chris admitted. “Besides the fact that I found someone that made me feel like I didn’t even know what love was for real.”
The 2022 Assault And A Moment Of Reckoning
Chris also addressed the October 2022 incident in which he was punched outside a well-known New York City comedy club and hospitalized.
Related: Chris Redd: Comedian Attacked & Robbed Before Performance
Police described the attack as unprovoked, but Chris reflected on it differently.
“Most people who know me from back home would know I’d be retaliating in a heartbeat,” he said. “Not this time. This time it felt like… fair. Fair enough.”
Rather than responding with anger, Chris said the moment forced him to sit with everything he had been carrying emotionally.
Why He’s Speaking Now
Chris emphasized that the video was not about clearing his name or seeking sympathy.
It was about accountability and growth.
He acknowledged that the situation disappointed fans and hurt people he cared about, and said those consequences are something he continues to work through in therapy.
“I couldn’t move on to the next stage creatively without addressing this,” Chris said.
It is not a comfortable story. But it is finally his to tell.
Watch the video below.
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